Contentment is Learned

I remember when my kids took those first steps. After weeks of holding their hands and encouraging them to walk, they finally took that first toddling step on their own. I also remember teaching them to ride a bike and how to read. I could teach them those things because I knew how to do them.

I also remember trying to teach my younger daughter how to do a hockey stop. It was frustrating for both her and me. Why? Because I can’t do a hockey stop. All I could do was tell her what I had heard other people tell her. I couldn’t demonstrate it. I couldn’t tell her what it felt like. I couldn’t tell her what she was doing wrong. It was an exercise in frustration for both of us.

We can’t teach our kids something that we haven’t learned ourselves. If we haven’t learned to be content, then we can’t expect our kids to learn to be content. Yesterday, we talked about the fact that contentment is a choice. When we choose to be content, we are choosing to learn to be content no matter the circumstances.

Paul says this in Philippians 4:12-13: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” The secret to learning to be content in all situations is to rely on God for the strength to do so.

So, how do we learn contentment? How do we stop striving for more all the time and enjoy what we have — whether it be tangible like cars and houses or intangible like talents and health?

1. Ask God to help. Being content whatever our circumstances goes against human nature. We like to complain and grumble. It seems to be a constant of human nature. To overcome that desire, we have to have God’s help.

2. Focus on what you do have instead of what you don’t. No matter our circumstances, we have things in our lives for which to be grateful. It may be that we need to be content with the weather on a beautiful day, the ability to get out of bed in the morning or the love of our family. Find reasons to be grateful and content.

3. Stop comparing your circumstances to other people’s circumstances. Comparison is the fastest way to kill contentment. Make it a point to stop comparing what you have to what others have. When you find yourself caught in the comparison trap, make a conscious decision to choose to be content with what you have.

4. Cultivate a heart of gratitude. Create a thankfulness wall or journal in your home. Every day, write down something for which you are thankful. It’s hard to be envious of others when you’re focused on your own blessings.

We can’t teach our kids to be content unless we have learned it ourselves. Spend some time today relying on God to give you the strength to be content — no matter what your circumstances are.

4 Responses to Contentment is Learned

Hopping over from ICD and WLW!
Sweet thoughts, and such good advice about cultivating contentment. Being grateful for what you have is one of the best lessons we can teach our children.
Hugs from VA,
Susan